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Wednesday, March 27, 2013

8 Tips for Buying a Used Boat

Checking out a used boat? Look
for signs of overall maintenance. Even lifejackets, lines, and fenders can be
clues to how much love a boat has had. Here’s a list of other things to watch
for.

1. Look for cracks in the fibreglass
above and below the waterline: Small cracks, such as spider
webs in localized areas, are mostly cosmetic. They tend to appear near screws
that haven’t been countersunk properly around handles, gunwales, and
wind-shields. No biggie-but they may get worse if not fixed. Cracks greater
than 2″ long suggest larger problems underneath. Ask whether the boat’s been in
a collision and look for signs, such as gelcoat patches, that indicate
extensive repairs. Get an expert to inspect.

2. Inspect for signs of damage:
Flexing, cracking, mold, and moisture in fibreglass and wooden areas,
such as the hull, transom, and floor? These can indicate rot, the break-down of
fibreglass, delamination of plywood, or even rot in the stringers. You’ll
likely want to walk.

3. Check for loose seats: The floor may be rotten (not good), or it could simply be that the bolts
are stripped. (Sitting on the seat back as you drive strains the bolts.) Your
marina can easily fix the latter.

4. Look for mildew: Do the seats, boat top, or carpet have mildew and other damage (check
the storagelockers too)? Upholstery and covers can be cleaned or replaced, but
extensive mold inside the seats is a bad sign. Also, mold spreads easily, so
spores on these surfaces may be in the wooden parts as well; a moldy carpet or
ski locker can mean problems underneath.

5. Make sure the electronics
work: Burned-out bulbs and seized bilge pumps have cheap solutions. Multiple
devices on the fritz could mean faulty wiring or a faulty battery-again, not a
big deal. Check to see if labels on the engine have peeled up or if insulation
on the wires has melted signs of engine overheating-and trouble.

6. Check the belts: Is the alternator or power-steering belts thin, worn, or cracked? Belts
should be changed every 100 hours. Your first service can cover it, but damaged
belts hint at lax care.

7. Start the engine: Does the engine start rough or slip, make excessive noise, vibrate, or
smoke? Old gas or too much oil is easily fixed during your first tune-up. However,
these symptoms can indicate a bigger problem, such as low compression in the
cylinders, requiring a costly engine overhaul.

8. Test the oil: Does the engine oil feel gritty between your fingers? The grit is metal filings,
which could indicate serious engine wear. If a mechanic confirms, abandon ship.
If there’s milky oil in the engine or lower unit, this means water is getting
in. A bent prop shaft can be straightened and a blown or worn seal replaced.
But an impact causing this kind of damage may have stressed the gears or, if
water got inside, the gears may be corroded-bad news. If water is coming
through a cracked engine block, steer clear.

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About Me

Port Sandfield Marina ranked in the Top 100 boat dealers in North
America by Boating Industry Magazine. We are a new & used boat dealership conveniently
located 2 hours north of Toronto in Port Sandfield, which is in the heart of
Ontario’s vacation destination the beautiful Muskoka Lakes.

Our family-owned dealership was founded in 1952, which is a
testament of our belief that best products with the best service, equals the
best customers. Our products of bow
riders, deck boats, jet boats, tow boats, runabouts, speed boats, fishing boats
and wooden boats are quality at its finest. Sixty years later, we are truly
proud to say our family continues building strong relationships for generations
to follow.

Port Sandfield Marina is Canada’s oldest Sea Ray dealer since 1969
and has been a Mercury dealer since 1952. We offer the top boat brands in
Canada, with over 80 models to choose from and are Muskoka's largest luxury rental boat provider. Whether it’s a new or used boat for
sale that you’re looking for, rest assured we have the right boat to fulfill
your boating needs. From waterskiing, tubing, surfing, cruising, fishing or
just taking in the sights, our line of Sea Ray boats, Tige boats, Tidewater
boats, Sutphen boats, and Mercury Marine cover each
spectrum of your boating lifestyle.

We invite you to explore Muskoka Lakes at your leisure in one of our rental boats, visit our displays at boat shows, and our on-the-water
dealership to view our floating showroom at the juncture of Lakes Joseph and
Rosseau.Our experienced sales staff can
guide you through the purchasing process, sharing their expertise and ensuring
your experience is an enjoyable one. By becoming
a part of the Port Sandfield Marina family, you can guarantee that this Ontario
boat dealer upholds its reputation, providing best product, best service and best
price……..Happy Boating!